News Release –
Kim Jones, Chairperson of the non-profit organization, Friends of Emerson Park, has announced that Edward O’Connor has joined the team as Chairman of the Development Committee.
Emerson Park is the “Gateway to The Finger Lakes” region and Cayuga County has embarked on a more than $25 million development plan that includes an Island Destination Playground, Island Amphitheater, and other park amenities. These development enhancements also include the Merry Go Round Playhouse, boat launch, and the beaches on Owasco Lake.
O’Connor is a County resident on Owasco Lake and developed a passion for Emerson Park from walking it over the past decade. O’Connor stated, “Emerson Park is an underappreciated gem of an asset in the region.” He added, “these exciting regional development improvements will make Emerson Park the gateway to the Finger Lakes experience.”
O’Connor was previously involved with the initial marketing launch of event programming at the then newly constructed Exposition Center at The Great New York State Fairgrounds. He was a founder and owner of The Celebration Group, a full-service real estate company in Florida and New York for over 30 years. The Celebration Group was a legally permitted name used by The Walt Disney Company in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
Jones stated that “Ed’s mission is to market the project and raise funds from foundation, corporate, and government sources”. She added, “a sponsorship sales program will be developed as the project progresses.” Emerson Park currently has over 300,000 visitors annually from the region and beyond.
Doug Dello Stritto, Director of Parks and Trails for Cayuga County, said, “It is great that the Friends of Emerson Park are aggressively pursuing our county development goals with the Island Destination Playground as its initial focus. Ed’s experience will only accelerate our progress and ultimate success.”
